Spahpanzer 2 – Photos & Video

The Spähpanzer Luchs (English: Lynx) is a German 8×8 amphibious reconnaissance armoured fighting vehicle (Spähpanzer) in service since 1975 with the German Army, who used 408 in their armoured reconnaissance battalions. It was developed by Daimler-Benz between 1968 and 1975, replacing the M41 and the Schützenpanzer SPz 11-2 Kurz. The all-wheel drive Luchs made by Thyssen-Henschel (now: Rheinmetall) is well armoured, has an NBC protection system and is characterized by its low-noise running. The eight large low-pressure tyres have run-flat properties. At speeds up to about 50 km/h, all four axles can be steered. As a special feature, the vehicle is equipped with a rear-facing driver with his own driving position. Up to the first combat effectiveness upgrade in 1986, the Luchs was fully amphibious and could surmount water obstacles quickly and independently using propellers at the rear and the fold back trim vane at the front.

Source: Spahpanzer 2 on Wikipedia

The Spähpanzer Luchs (English: Scout Armored Car “Lynx”) was a German 8×8 amphibious reconnaissance armored fighting vehicle that served in the German Army from 1975 to 2009. It was developed by Daimler-Benz between 1968 and 1975 to replace the M41 and Schützenpanzer SPz 11-2 Kurz.

Design

The Luchs had an all-welded steel hull providing protection from small arms fire and shell splinters. It featured all-wheel drive and steering, with the ability to steer all 8 wheels at speeds up to 50 km/h. It had a rear-facing driver’s position to allow reversing at top speed.

The vehicle was originally fully amphibious, using propellers at the rear and a trim vane at the front to traverse water obstacles. It lost this capability after a 1986 upgrade.

Armament

The Luchs was armed with a 20mm Rheinmetall MK 20 Rh 202 autocannon in a turreted mount, similar to the one used on the Marder IFV. It also had a 7.62mm MG3 machine gun mounted over the commander’s hatch for air defense.

Specifications

• Crew: 4 (commander, gunner, driver, radio operator/rear driver)
• Length: 7.74m
• Width: 2.98m
• Height: 2.84m
• Weight: 19.5 tonnes
• Engine: 10-cylinder Daimler-Benz multi-fuel turbocharged diesel/petrol
• Maximum road speed: 90 km/h
• Maximum water speed: 10 km/h (pre-1986 upgrade)
• Range: 730 km

A total of 408 Spähpanzer Luchs vehicles were produced for the German Army between 1975-1977. It was eventually replaced by the Fennek reconnaissance vehicle in German service.